Hard-hit commuters are set for an inflation busting 6.2 per cent rise in rail fares from next January.

The retail prices index (RPI) for July, which determines how much regulated rail fares including season and saver tickets are allowed to increase in 2013, rose to 3.2 per cent from 2.8 per cent last month,

The average fare increase for England is calculated by adding three per cent to RPI, although some tickets can go up by up to 11 per cent as long as they are balanced by cuts on other fares.

The rises have been widely condemed by unions and travel watchdogs including Pasenger Focus, the Campaign for Better Transport, the RMT and the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA).